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A piglet model for studies of gastrointestinal uptake of cadmium in neonates
Gunilla Eklund1, Jonas Tallkvist, Agneta Oskarsson
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, BMC, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden. gunilla.eklund@farmtox.slu.se
Insights
Newborn piglets exposed to low-dose cadmium showed increased retention in blood and tissues. Infant formula reduced cadmium uptake but increased kidney distribution compared to water.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Neonatal Physiology
Background:
- Infants may absorb more inorganic cadmium (Cd) than adults.
- Current models for studying neonatal dietary Cd absorption are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the absorption and distribution of low-dose cadmium in neonates.
- To evaluate the impact of infant formula versus water on cadmium bioavailability.
- To establish a piglet model for neonatal cadmium exposure studies.
Main Methods:
- Piglets were orally administered 2 or 20 microg Cd/kg body weight daily from day 0 to 10.
- Cadmium exposure was via CdCl2 dissolved in deionized water or infant follow-up formula.
- Cadmium retention in blood and tissues was assessed on day 11.
- Metallothionein (MT) levels were measured in liver, kidney, and duodenum.
Main Results:
- Low-dose cadmium exposure resulted in elevated, dose-dependent retention in blood and tissues.
- Infant formula decreased overall cadmium uptake compared to deionized water.
- However, cadmium distribution to the kidneys was higher when administered via formula.
- Metallothionein levels significantly increased in the liver, kidney, and duodenum of exposed piglets.
Conclusions:
- The piglet model effectively detects differences in low-dose cadmium bioavailability and distribution in neonates.
- Dietary factors, such as infant formula, influence cadmium uptake and tissue distribution.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for assessing neonatal cadmium exposure risks.
Abstract:
Newborns are believed to have a higher gastrointestinal uptake of inorganic cadmium (Cd) than adults. However, relevant models for investigations of absorption of dietary Cd in neonates are lacking. In the present study, piglets were exposed to 2 or 20 microg Cd/kg body weight (b wt) per day by repeated oral administrations of CdCl2 dissolved in deionized water or infant follow-up formula from days 0 to 10. Elevated and dose-dependent Cd retention in blood and tissues resulted from this low-dose Cd exposure, as determined at day 11. Follow-up formula reduced Cd uptake in comparison to deionized water. However, Cd distribution to the kidneys was higher when Cd was given in formula than in water. Metallothionein (MT) levels in liver, kidney and duodenum were six, three and two times higher, respectively compared to an un-exposed control. Differences in bioavailability and distribution of low-dose Cd given in various diets to newborns could be detected by the proposed piglet model.
